General description.

The orange crown feathers of this so-named warbler remain largely hidden; its scientific name, "celata" means "concealed". He has no eye ring or wing stripes.

Juvenile appearance.

The young are more uniformly greenish or grayish, and they, like the female, lack the orange crown altogether.

Breeding habits.

The breeding range of the "Orange-crowned Warbler" extends from Alaska east to Quebec and Labrador and south to California, Arizona and New Mexico. This bird appears to be the most abundant warbler breeding in its preferred habitat, along streams in woodlands with moderately dense foliage.

Calls or song.

Their songs differ from one male to another, but are generally trill-like: "chee-chee-chee-chew-chew." Both sexes give off sharp "chip" calls.

Population and distribution.

The "Orange-crowned Warbler" is a common bird in the West. In the East, it is a rather rare migrant; slightly more numerous in the fall when the birds, mostly immatures, show a fondness for stands of goldenrod and dying foliage next to the ground. It is then that these plain birds, without prominent field markings, are most often seen. Compared to other warblers, the "Orange-crowned" makes a relatively short journey to its wintering grounds, going no further than the southern United States.

Nesting habits.

The female lays 4-6 white eggs with reddish or lavender spots. She and her mate build a rather large nest of grass and other plant fibers, lined with fur or feathers.